Meet the new Miss South Africa
Usually when a beauty pageant title is handed over to a runner-up it is admidst great scandal, from leaked nude pictures to bigoted remarks.
Newly crowned Miss SA Ziphozakhe Zokufa gives her vote of thanks after being introduced to the media at official start of her reign at The Maslow Hotel in Sandton, 17 December 2014. Ziphozakhe takes over from Rolene Strauss who won the Miss World pageant. Picture: Refilwe Modise
However, the passing of the crown to the new Miss South Africa carries with it a wave of national pride after previous title holder Rolene Strauss was crowned Miss World on Sunday.
Her new international title means Strauss is no longer eligible to compete in the Miss Universe pageant and nor fulfill some of her duties as Miss South Africa.
Following her crowning at the Maslow Hotel in Sandton Wednesday, former first princess Ziphozakhe Zokufa has taken over Strauss’ reign.
She will represent South Africa at the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant in Miami. She is also the only person in the world that can say she managed to dethrone Miss World 2014.
The 23-year-old model and TV production student had the following to say:
“I am delighted that I will get a chance to carry the South African flag as the new Miss South Africa and represent my country at the Miss Universe Pageant in January.
“I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel this year as well as work as a model. I was actually in Hong Kong when I received the news of my crowning as Miss South Africa and returned home immediately.”
Asked what she wanted to bring to the role as Miss South Africa, Zokufa said, “This has been a lifelong dream for me and I have always wanted to enter. I love grabbing opportunities that come my way and the ability to inspire the youth of South Africa and the country as a whole. This has always been something I have strived for and I can’t wait to immerse myself in the role.
She says her parents have always been her ultimate role models. “Together they worked and studied hard. Their success has always inspired me to achieve and never to limit myself.”
Oozing both talent and beauty, Zokufa could be a strong contender at Miss Universe.
“People are usually surprised to know that I used to be a professional singer. I travelled abroad representing my province and country. And now I am going to do it on an international stage.”
The new Miss South Africa went on to talk about her love for music.
“I have a collection of instruments back home that include the drums, piano, clarinet and guitar and sometimes I write my own compositions. I love travelling, photography and videography. I also love kite-surfing. I have recently bought a ukulele and taught myself to play over Youtube.”
Current Miss World Rolene Strauss has also sent her love, saying Zokufa will make South Africans proud.
Want to know more about the new Miss South Africa, Ziphozakhe Zokufa?
- Zokufa has won other beauty pageants including Miss Nelson Mandela Bay in 2009, New Face International winner in 2009, Miss Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2011 and Miss Mamelodi Sundowns Eastern Cape in 2012.
- Former Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo is one of her hero’s.
- Her favourite musician is David Visan.
